The other day I heard a story that touched my heart and it's too good to keep to myself.
There are a couple of versions, but they all trace back to fact. Take yourself back to 1920s, when people paid and often traveled great distances to hear dramatic speakers recite poems and speeches.
Here's the story. Step into this scene and enjoy.
Friends of one much-acclaimed actor and orator threw a lavish party in his honor. More than a hundred guests attended, all dressed in their best finery.
Each guest felt privileged to be present since the famous guest traveled extensively and drew large (paying) crowds wherever he went. One of the guests asked, "Would you kindly favor us with your rendering of the Twenty-third Psalm?"
At once the great man in his designer tuxedo and multiple gold rings launched into a dramatic rendition, complete with well-practiced flourishes and gestures. At the end the audience gave the speaker a prolonged standing ovation.
Then from the back of the great room an older man dressed in a well-worn suit stood and asked, "Might I also speak this Psalm?"
With permission given, the gray-haired man slowly, carefully made his way to the front of the room. Surprised guests sat politely, prepared to be unimpressed.
Then the old man began to speak and a hush fell over the room. Listeners sat with tears streaming down their cheeks and many began weeping loudly. Once he finished the roomful of listeners sat without moving for several minutes.
Later someone asked the great orator why the audience showed such different responses to hearing the same Psalm. He answered, "I know that old man, so I know the reason.
"You see, I know the words. But that man, he knows the Shepherd."
Right about now seems the perfect time to revisit Psalm 23
Back then the older man would have quoted the King James Version, so that's what you'll read here. Yes, we now have other translations and paraphrases, but let's remember that for many years the KJV served as an English textbook in many of our schools.
So take time to drink in these beautiful words. They are true for you and for me, as much now as from the beginning--and forever. As Jesus said in Mark 13:30: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Just the words themselves are comforting, aren't they?
I find speaking them aloud soothes my spirit, especially when I'm feeling troubled. If you haven't already made this practice your own, I hope you'll try it.
And may you, too, know the Lord as your Good Shepherd. Let Him lead you through and restore your tired heart.
I promise you He will.
Lovingly,
Lenore
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